Philosophical Vegan Forum

My name is David, I'm 18 years old and I'm currently a senior in high school. I am a Christian, the denomination I identify with the most is southern baptist. I enjoy discussion about religion and philosophy considering it comes from a place of mutual respect. I'd be happy to answer any questions about what I specifically believe about more specific topics, please don't hesitate to ask.

Hi David. What are your thoughts on atheism and veganism?

My best friend is an atheist and it the discussions we had together that largely got me interested in the subject of philosophy and religion. While I'm convinced of my own beliefs I'm open to listening and considering the belief [or lack thereof] of others. I watch several atheists on YouTube and I'm open to reading atheist literature.

As for my thoughts on veganism, I don't really have anything meaningful to say. I haven't interacted with any vegans or vegetarians on the topic. While I understand that people choose the diet for health or ethical reasons, that is the extent of my knowledge. My interest simply lie elsewhere. While I'm open to discussion on most anything I have to say that a discussion on veganism with me won't be very engaging.

Welcome to the forum David.

Deathdude650 wrote:I watch several atheists on YouTube.

Which ones do you like? I watch all of TheVeganAtheist's new videos, and sometimes also ArmouredSkeptic. I used to follow more channels but eventually I got bored with them. I guess I've heard most of the common arguments for and against theism/atheism and religion/lack-thereof...

I watch several, The Amazing Atheist, JaclynGlenn, when Mr. Repzion made videos about religion and atheism I really enjoyed his videos, I've started finding lesser known YouTubers like Secular Talk and the VeganAtheist. I've seen some of the ArmouredSkeptic's videos and enjoyed them. There are probably some that I'm forgetting. I really only follow The Amazing Atheist, but I do check the channels of the channels I named in the beginning of the post. I have noticed a lot the same arguments being used and sometimes used poorly.

Deathdude650 wrote:I watch several, The Amazing Atheist, JaclynGlenn, when Mr. Repzion made videos about religion and atheism I really enjoyed his videos, I've started finding lesser known YouTubers like Secular Talk and the VeganAtheist. I've seen some of the ArmouredSkeptic's videos and enjoyed them. There are probably some that I'm forgetting. I really only follow The Amazing Atheist, but I do check the channels of the channels I named in the beginning of the post. I have noticed a lot the same arguments being used and sometimes used poorly.

Interesting that you've seen all those great youtubers and you're still religious.
Secular Talk is awesome, he knows what he's talking about and is one of my favorite youtubers. But why do you like The Amazing Atheist? I've tried to watch some of his videos and he is like vegan gains but for atheists. Even if he is right in some things, he doesn't have a middle ground. He sees everything in black and white and for that I don't understand how anyone would enjoy his videos

TJ [The Amazing Atheist] is very in your face in some of his videos and I understand why some people don't like him. For a while I couldn't watch his videos. I don't think his channel is intended to be a intellectual center of the atheist community, but I find his videos interesting enough to watch them. While I disagree with him on many issues, I enjoy hearing his thoughts and criticisms on different issues. However, I agree that Secular Talk tries to put forward more serious videos to make viewers think.

I don't think that exposure to a community of people with a worldview counter to my own necessarily will make me lose my faith. It helps me understand the differences between what I believe and what others believe [or don't believe]. Just wondering, 2048 or anyone else who would like to answer, do you watch, listen to, or read any Christian media? I'm curious because I often hear of Christians watching atheists on youtube, but don't hears quite as much about atheists watching Christians [or youtubers of other faiths for that matter]. I'm interested to see what you have to say.

Deathdude650 wrote: I don't think that exposure to a community of people with a worldview counter to my own necessarily will make me lose my faith. It helps me understand the differences between what I believe and what others believe [or don't believe]. Just wondering, 2048 or anyone else who would like to answer, do you watch, listen to, or read any Christian media? I'm curious because I often hear of Christians watching atheists on youtube, but don't hears quite as much about atheists watching Christians [or youtubers of other faiths for that matter]. I'm interested to see what you have to say.

No I don't and the reason for that is because atheist responds to religious people so I can see what they say thru atheist media. And I have read the bible and if that didn't convince me I don't think and person will. I've also seen allot of debates with religious and atheist people. Also secular media will tell you the whole truth because they don't have any skin in the game and are often open minded for change. One last reason why I don't look for christian media is because I'll see it sooner or later since it such a big part of our society. I mean just look att politics, the republican rallies are more like a preaching show where people will talk about religion almost more than anything else.

But you seem like you have a pretty good taste in which youtubers you watch, can't you recommend a good christian media? Btw I just watched some of Armoured Skeptic's videos thanks to you, and I have one more person I subscribe to now (thanks ^^)

I would recommend Christian media on the academic level, John Lennox is someone I've enjoyed. He's done a debate with Richard Dawkins and one with Christopher Hitchens if that sort of thing interests you. Also I'm glad you found a YouTuber you enjoy because I mentioned it. I could recommend some more if you'd like.

Hi David, thanks for joining the forum. Nice to have opposing opinions in the community. It would be great if you started a thread in the correct forum for the reasons why you believe in a god. Im sure that having a friendly debate/discussion would be interesting for many.